Holiday shopping for your loved ones can be hard enough, but trying to find the perfect gift for your boss or coworker can really add to your holiday stress. Should you even get one in the first place? And what’s appropriate? Read on for some guidelines…

Understand the Office Policy

Offices can have some pretty complicated policies when it comes to gift giving. After all, a company wants to avoid bribery or favoritism, and gifts around the holidays can get into some gray area. Generally larger corporations are the ones that will have rules regarding what’s appropriate to give, so make sure you check before you stroll into the office with a toy sack slung over your shoulder.

Don’t Go Overboard

While you may be in a very giving mood this holiday season, it’s advisable not to go overboard with the gifts you pass out. Organized office gift exchanges will generally have price limits in place, but if you’re going out on your own, don’t purchase anything that’s too extravagant or expensive.

Keep it Simple

Some good ideas for gifts include food baskets containing cookies, fruit, or candy – perfect for a coworker to share with his or her family. You can also try exotic plants, or something that might be useful in the office. Gift certificates are also a nice way to show your appreciation. Yeah, all this stuff can seem boring and unoriginal, but you never know how another person’s taste might differ from yours, and it’s best to stay on the safe side. You should avoid giving gifts that are tasteless or controversial, and stay away from giving clothes. The bottom line here is to use your best judgment. If you’re great friends with a coworker outside of the office, or have a really relaxed company culture, you probably have more latitude on gift options.

No Hurt Feelings

If you’re not going to be showering everyone in the office with presents, you probably shouldn’t make a big show of presenting a select few individuals with gift-wrapped goods. Try to exchange gifts outside of the office or during after hours. If this is impossible, do so discreetly.

Thanks and Come Again Next Year!

One final note – write a thank you note! It’s true that you don’t have to purchase something for every person who went out of his or her way to give you a gift, but you should remember to say thank you. Writing a quick thank you note is a considerate gesture…and it locks you in to receive more cool stuff next holiday season!